According to FlightGlobal aviation journalist David Kaminski-Morrow, Air China Cargo has completed its Airbus A330-200P2F delivery programme with the handover of the final converted freighter aircraft on 14 January 2026. This event marks the culmination of a multi-year passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion project involving eight A330-200 airframes.
The A330P2F delivery programme reflects strategic growth in Air China Cargo’s fleet as the carrier expands its dedicated cargo capacity. Converted freighters like the A330-200P2F play an important role in global air freight operations, offering mid-to-long-range payload capability with lower acquisition cost compared to new-build freighters.
What Happened: Final A330P2F Handover
Air China Cargo took delivery of the eighth and final Airbus A330-200P2F aircraft from its conversion batch at a ceremony on 14 January 2026. The aircraft had been modified from its original passenger configuration by German conversion specialist Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) with structural and systems work carried out in China by Ameco in Chengdu.
This final delivery completes the carrier’s targeted batch of eight converted A330-200 freighters, a programme that began with entries into conversion in early 2023. Delivery of these freighters has proceeded over roughly three years, increasingly enhancing Air China Cargo’s dedicated freight capacity.
Background: Passenger-to-Freighter Conversions
Airbus A330-200 aircraft have become a core workhorse in the freighter segment due to their payload flexibility and long-haul capability. In passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions, aircraft originally built for passenger service are modified to carry cargo pallets and containers. These conversions typically include installation of a large main deck cargo door, reinforced floor structures, and modern loading systems.
EFW, a joint venture with Airbus and ST Engineering, holds supplemental type certificates for A330P2F conversions and operates conversion facilities in multiple countries, including China. The Chinese Civil Aviation Administration’s validation of EFW’s Chinese A330P2F STC has enabled smoother certification and conversion for aircraft registered in China.
Role of EFW and Ameco in the A330P2F Programme
The conversion programme for the eight A330-200P2F aircraft involved:
- ELBE Flugzeugwerke (EFW): Provided planning, certification interfaces, and conversion programme oversight.
- Ameco (Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Corporation): Conducted the physical conversion work in Chengdu, China.
EFW’s global network of conversion sites supports a range of Airbus P2F projects, including the A320 and A321 freighter variants, with Ameco representing a key partner in China for freight conversions and MRO services.
Air China Cargo’s Fleet Strategy
Air China Cargo’s fleet strategy includes a mix of converted and factory-built freighters. According to recent fleet data:
- Airbus A330-200P2F: Part of the converted freighter fleet.
- Boeing 777F and Boeing 747-400F: Core long-haul cargo workhorses.
- Future Airbus A350F: Scheduled for delivery starting in 2029, expanding the fleet’s efficiency and payload flexibility.
This diversified fleet enables Air China Cargo to serve intercontinental markets with competitive economics while maintaining strong network reliability.
Industry Context: P2F Market Dynamics
The air cargo industry has seen heightened demand for freighter capacity since the pandemic, with P2F conversions emerging as a lower-cost pathway to expand fleets. Industry analysts attribute this trend to:
- Rising e-commerce shipments.
- A limited supply of new-build freighters.
- Airlines optimizing assets through conversions.
Converted A330 freighters have proven especially valuable for medium- and long-haul freight missions, combining adequate payload with operational range and efficiency benefits.
Timeline of Key Events
- Early 2023: First Airbus A330-200 inducted for P2F conversion.
- 2023–2025: Incremental deliveries of A330P2Fs to Air China Cargo.
- 14 January 2026: Final (eighth) A330-200P2F delivered, completing the programme.
What’s Next? Industry Outlook
With the A330P2F batch complete, Air China Cargo turns attention to:
- Integration of new-build Airbus A350F freighters, with deliveries starting later in the decade to replace ageing assets and increase efficiency.
- Continued optimisation of cargo routes in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
- Monitoring global air cargo demand trends, particularly in e-commerce and cross-border logistics.
The completion of the A330P2F deliveries underscores the strategic role of conversions in fleet planning and positions Air China Cargo competitively in the global air freight market.
